Ecology & Evolution at University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,176/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 7.8x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #48 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Ecology & Evolution graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $515K $513K $479K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.8x 7.8x 7.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 23 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,632
Out-of-state: $143,216 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,596
-21% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
9.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,950
76% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $26,176/yr, roughly in line with the $29,875 national median for Ecology & Evolution. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 7.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Ecology & Evolution career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,500 against $26,176/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #48 ranking among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs places University of Rhode Island in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,176-to-$45,950 earnings arc over five years reflects a 76% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Rhode Island

University of Rhode Island accepts 77% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 13,822 students in Kingston, RI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Rhode Island →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Statisticians $103,300/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Ecology & Evolution at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ecology & Evolution at University of Rhode Island?
At 23/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Ecology & Evolution programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Ecology & Evolution at University of Rhode Island?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →